Most children, to some degree, are worried when they start a new school. As you have recognised, physical symptoms, such as tummy pains and headaches, are signs of this anxiety.

Try to find out whether he’s worried about anything in particular, such as the route to school, finding his way to lessons, or making new friends. Boost his confidence by reminding him what he’s good at.

Encourage him to invite a friend round after school soon after he has started. Research shows that having at least one close friendship can help to protect children from bullying at school. Having an outside activity — sports or music — can help children to put school worries in perspective If your son is still experiencing regular tummy pains and headaches a couple of weeks after starting school, it would be good to see your GP who may want to check that there isn’t a physical cause.

The charity Kidscape (www.kidscape.org.uk) has useful tips on helping children to settle in to secondary school.

My eight-year-old daughter has had developmental dyspraxia diagnosed. She finds writing a struggle and avoids activities that involve co-ordination, such as sewing or jigsaws. What would help her? Name and address supplied

Dyspraxia is a developmental co-ordination problem and a child has difficulty planning and organising smoothly coordinated movements. This condition affects between 5 and 6 per cent of children.

Typically, a child with dyspraxia might be late to reach developmental milestones: sitting, crawling, walking. Later, he or she may find it difficult to learn to pedal a bike, or fasten buttons, and may often seem accident prone.

It sounds as though your daughter finds activities where she is required to move smoothly, such as for handwriting, difficult and frustrating.There are some things that might help. It’s easy for children with dyspraxia to lose confidence and self-esteem so encourage her in an activity that she enjoys and is good at.

Praise her efforts and successes, and avoid comparing her with others who are more able. For some children, occupational therapy or physiotherapy can be helpful.

The condition should improve with age. Most children develop strategies to deal with the specific things that they find difficult. The Dyspraxia Foundation (www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk) can offer information and support.

Jane Collins is the chief executive and honorary consultant paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital

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